The 2011 NBA Finals turned when J.J. Barea began penetrating into the lane.
The Mavericks are counting on their fate to change next season with the same strategy.
I was watching some FIBA World Cup over the weekend and was reminded what a drive-and-kick game basketball has evolved into. Defenses are so protecting the paint that shooters are left open on the perimeter. Offenses are now geared to drive into the lane, draw two defenders and kick out a pass to an open shooter.
After the acquisition of Chandler Parsons, the Mavs are perfectly positioned for this drive-and-dish world.
According to NBA stats, the Mavs ran more pick-and-rolls than any team last season. And Monta Ellis was the most active player in the league, driving to the basket 38 times more than any other player and scoring 85 more points. And now, enter Parsons.
The Mavs’ new small forward is equally adept at driving (he was also in the NBA’s Top 10 last season) and catch-and-shooting (he led the Rockets in points and percentage).
For a long time critics ripped the Mavs for being a soft, jump-shooting team. Next season I expect them to be a driving team. And a winning team.
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A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
